Naturally, the greatest bushwalking experience is to simply immerse yourself in the pristine environment, revive, rejuvenate and breathe in fresh air.
Whether you’re looking to be active or just take time to reflect, Byron Bay’s National Parks have plenty to offer. There’s a range of walking trails providing a great way to explore the beauty of our natural environment and habitats.
Do you fancy getting out to stretch your legs? Here’s a sneak peak into what’s on offer:
If you’d like to stay within an easy driving distance to town, nothing beats the Cape Byron Lighthouse walk for scenery, flora, fauna (and a great cardio workout!). Walk off your breakfast with the 5km round trip from Watego’s beach, up to the lighthouse to take in the sights of our glorious coastline, and then around through the tranquil rainforest surrounds of Arakwal National Park to The Pass, gradually weaving back to where you began. This walk takes about an hour and there are plenty of places to stop for a rest, photo opportunity or you may even fancy a cuppa at the Lighthouse Cafe.
For those looking to get out and about to experience our beautiful rainforest ecosystems – check out the Nightcap National Park near Nimbin, housing the grand 100m drop of Minyon Falls. There’s an 8km walking track from the bottom to the top and back. If you’re looking to try something a little different, why not try an evening guided eco-tour, complete with night vision goggles to allow you to observe the native fauna when they’re at their most active.
About 45 minutes’ drive from Byron Bay, you’ll find the world heritage listed Wollumbin Mount Warning National Park. Pack your camera, head lamp, sturdy shoes, warm clothes and water, and set out early for a truly special hike to see the spectacular sunrise, experiencing the first rays of sunlight that shine on the Australian continent. During daylight hours, the walking track ascent will take you 2 hours, and the final 250m is a chain assisted rock climb to the summit. At the peak you will find comfortable seats and boardwalks to let you soak up the view of the whole Byron region. The full return walk is 9km long, and will take you approximately 4 hours to complete. For those strapped for time, there is also the short 200m Lyrebird Track at the mountain’s base that winds through rainforest surrounds, over a creek to a lovely viewing platform. Wollumbin Mount Warning is a truly magnificent sight and a place of great spiritual significance to the Bundjalung and Aboriginal people of the region.
Photographer’s are welcome in all National Parks – so if you take a hero shot why don’t you post it on our Facebook page?